Christmas Greetings from MODA

At this time of year, you see the theme of birth everywhere. It reminds me of a maternity class just before the birth of our first child with midwives Jane Kilthei and Larry Lenske. Back then Larry was the only male midwife in the province of Ontario. He took the lead in this particular class and talked to the expectant mothers about how to breathe during labor. During the break I took him aside and, being the skeptical person I am, asked him what possible effect a woman's breathing could have on the birth.

"You're right," he answered. "Giving birth is primarily an involuntary process. The baby is going to come regardless of how you breathe. But if the mother feels overwhelmed and out of control, she could panic. Her breathing is something she can focus on and control. " So focusing on breathing is a way to help you deal with the larger experience of giving birth.

I will never experience giving birth, but I do know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and out of control in life. For me Second Life is a little like learning to control my breathing. In Second Life you don't have to hold down a job, lose forty pounds, raise a teenager or even eat. You control what you are and what you want to be. Second Life gives you a chance to discover or re-discover who you really are. Then you can take the lessons learned back to your first life.

As a consultant doing a lot of traveling this year, I was feeling pretty isolated. Working with Jujudoll Dancer and the MODA Modeling School reminded me how much fun life can be, particularly when you're part of an enthusiastic team, all pulling together. I know from how I feel and the comments from my "real" friends that Second Life has improved my first life. For me there is nothing lonlier than a solitary restaurant meal on the road. Thank you to all my fashion friends in SL for being with me wherever and whenever I traveled. As a special friend says, "Sometimes my goal in life is just to keep breathing."

Merry Christmas to you and all the best in 2008. You deserve it.

MODA Achievement Award

Last night the MODA Modeling School was given an Outstanding Achievement award by the Second Life Cable Network.

In the words of Executive Producer Starr Sonic, "Every producer wants their show to look good. But, when your subject matter is fashion, looking good is everything. Jujudoll and Licentious at MODA didn't stop there. Not only does their show look great, but their tireless commitment to rehearsals, scripts, and timing have created an impressive 30 minute show that runs like clockwork. I'd like to proudly present the extraordinary achievement award for design and choreography to MODA Fashion Spotlight."

This is one award that was truly won by the team. The only way to keep an event going week in week out is to have a cohesive and spirited team. While individuals shine, it takes a group to keep up the commitment. I would like to thank

• Makeda Cole and Angela Watkin for coaching the models and keeping an eye on timing,
  
• KandieKane Laval for handling the wardrobe,
  
• Calveen Kline for his technical advice as well as his building skills, and
  
• ColoradoCowboy Manen for the announcing, the music and wrapping his mouth around those eclectic fashion names.

And a special thank you to those who turned a narrow catwalk into a runway with your energy, style and commitment to excellence.

Knockout! K.O. Designs

And the unanimous winner is: Ms Kallyfaith Rolland, Owner and Designer of K. O. Designs Costume Superstore.

On December 17, the MODA Fashion Spotlight featured handpicked creations selected by Ms. Rolland herself. She was sitting in the audience brimming with pride as the MODA models walked graciously down the runway. I had the pleasure of chatting with her during this wonderful evening of fashion.

Kallyfaith Rolland joined this virtual world in October of 2005, way before the days of the flexiprim clothing. Kally shared with me that in the real world, she has always been an artistic soul but never on a professional level just as a hobbyist. Exploring Second Life, she discovered some amazing designs and decided that she wanted to try her hand at fashion designing. Over time, she had the unique opportunity to design for Playboy Island which helped her refine her skills as a creator. A few months later, she opened her own store where she focused her creativity on costumes, such as the Scarlett BBQ Gown, shown below. Who wouldn't feel like Scarlett O'Hara dressed in this gown!

Having completed over fifty costumes over time, Kallyfaith has found a new passion designing vintage style clothing. She remarked: "I find myself sketching in my sketchpad endlessly just coming up with new ideas." Shown below is the Vintage Elana in the shorter version, a long gown is also available.

The last set of designs was called Enchantment. An amazing collection of fourteen (14) individual pieces to match any and all of your moods - from the long skirt to the short and sexy skirt, from the capris to the little shorts. It also includes a large number of accessories such as shoes, gloves, and two hats (one of them is a very cute top hat). I'm not a smoker but for the fashionable lady, there is also a classy cigarette holder. This stunning limited edition ensemble will only be available until January 6th, 2008 at K.O. Designs main store on Columbia. Did you know it took over a week of effort for Kallyfaith to create all these original pieces?

Before Kallyfaith joined the MODA crew to celebrate another successful event, I asked her if she had any advice for up and coming designers. "Don't be afraid to try. Learning programs like Photoshop or GIMP can be intimidating and I have had lots of friends try and try and just give up because it's too frustrating for them at first. Don't push yourself too hard and just have fun with it."

K.O. Designs is located on Columbia(8,16,22). I have personally returned to the store for a few visits since the MODA Spotlight Fashion Event.

Ciao Bellissima!

A few weeks back we did a spotlight on Bellissima. I know you make it to all our shows.....but just in case you missed it, here is the link to the SLCN TV segment. I had the honor and pleasure of producing the script for that segment. It was really fun spending a few hours staring at Elle74 Zaftig's designs to prepare the script.

Although Bellissima specializes in custom wedding gowns and period costumes, you will find her store chock full of amazingly textured outfits for men and women. Elle started designing in SL because she couldn't find dresses "that covered the ass" of the full-figured woman "without fiddling around with prims".

She was once commissioned to design a whole wedding party's outfit. She designed the groom's Prince of Wales kilt and sporran outfit (a request from the bride in honor of her father). Elle painstakingly researched kilts and Scottish clans resulting in an incredibly detailed and extraordinary outfit.


This versatile designer has been in SL since April 2005 and opened her store in December 05. She says she is inspired by romance and old movies, and describes her style as classical, from a time when "women were decked to extremes" and "when you dressed for dinner". You can definitely see elements of her inspiration in the dresses being shown below. The first is Vintage in Emerald (above). A dress that would not look out of place on Tara (as in Gone with the Wind)



The second dress (shown above) is called Appasionata and is being modeled by the beautiful Angela Watkins, MODA Partner. This is not a dress for the faint-hearted or the skinny. You clearly need the body....and bosoms to carry off this outfit! As shape in SL becomes more normalized, designers like Elle74 are guaranting you will find outfits that fit the woman ......of substance.

Just In: 17th Dec 2007 is Bellissima's Rezzday. So Elle will be having a little party to celebrate - Digby Smalls will be coming out to sing between 7 and 8 PM SLT. You are all invited! There'll also be free stuff at the store from about 12 Noon SLT. So head on over....make sure you take a look at the kilts!

Watch out for a new firebird in the SL jungle: Aunna Anatine is on the loose! This latest addition to the MODA Modeling School is one to be watched.

Welcome to the Jungle! Featured is designer Janie Marlowe's Safari from Mischief & Mischief Male. I absolutely love this outfit for its dichotomy! The theme is wild but the execution is of the utmost poise and sophistication. Pockets, collar, and cuffs of this well tailored pantsuit are accented with wild animal print, wild hair from Analog Dog complimenting this theme. Stylish PrimOptic glasses and Earthtones jewelry accentuate sophistication while Solace Black shoes from Maitreya add a finishing touch. Perfect opposites come together in this ensemble to create a fantastic, unique look!

Accessories:
Skin - Zoe Chocolate(Copper) / Naughty
Hair - Amber Brunette / Analog Dog
Shoes - Solace Black / Maitreya
Glasses - arkos / primOptic
Jewelry - Cluster N&E Set (Sienna/Silver) / Earthtones

DD Designs

Please help me welcome our newest MODA student blogger, Daryion Reinard. She's a fun loving, fashion fixated model who just loves what she does.

DD Designs can be found in Nuem and I'll add the Landmark for you at the end of the blog. But be warned, the store is HUGE and with so many beautiful designs to choose from, you're going to want to spend! It's a good thing that DD's is so affordable. You'll love it. Each time I go there, there is something new on the walls. You'll also find many smaller DD boutiques scattered over SL.

You don't need a lot of accessories to complement this stand-alone outfit. I chose to wear a lovely Diamond Necklace by Alyssa Bijoux. I found Alyssa's store by accident and I'm so glad I did. There are so many designs to choose from for both men and women as well as a large range of custom jewelry. Just IM Alyssa and she can make it up. What great service! I chose for this outfit a necklace and earring set called 'Falling Star'. Drop, diamond earrings and a lovely silver chain that drops delicate diamond stars. Its another favourite in my collection. It works perfectly with the star theme in the lace top. You can find Alyssa's store in Kirkstone.

Shoes make the outfit, so they say, and I'm sure they're right. The shoe choice for this look is Valentina's, with classy little white points and a small heel. Valentina was a very sassy German designer, who has unfortunatly left SL but thanks to new owner, Henning Tammis, her wonderful style is still available. Her main store at Tarnotopia is to die for. Grab the Landmark and see for yourself.

Finally, my hair. I'm an easy going girl and I love my hairstyle to reflect that. This style is long, blonde and very stylish. But, teamed with jeans and a t-shirt, it can also look sweet and playful. I love how it falls and how it moves with me so naturally. I found it at Hair Solutions, where you can demo many different styles and colours. It's one of the best flexi designs I've found so far and one style that brings me so many comments, even from men. My style is "India II." The highlights look so natural. It comes with full instructions and a posing stand.

That completes my look. I hope you'll love it as much as I do.

*DD* Designs Main-Kids and Baby , Neum (54, 66, 23)

Valentina's Main Shop for Shoes, Tarnotopia (54, 74, 26)

ALYSSA BIJOUX JEWELRY - Hair, B, Kirkstone (63, 231, 36)

Hair Solutions@El, Elite Island (84, 65, 21)

Extra! Extra! Newspaper Girl Look is IN

This review comes from a recent MODA student, the charming Gamp Lane. Her name soooo makes me want to sing, "She was a vamp, a scamp and a bit of a tramp. She was a G-A-M-P, Gamp!"

This is a little number that Callie Cline likes to call the "Newspaper Girl". I never had my newspaper delivered by anyone in an outfit this classy and sassy. It is from her mix-n-mash up collection. It features an adorable above the knee black and white plaid skirt, which looks good even sitting in SL. The basic black turtleneck sweater is a hard working piece that will play a supporting role next to just about anything you care to pair it with. To top it all off (literally) there is a cute little animal print beret and matching wide band belt. Animal print with checks you ask? Get that skeptical tone out of your voice. Not your usual combination maybe, but that's just what mix-n-mash up is all about..and it works! Kudos to Callie for this one.

caLLiefornia (222, 203, 22)

To get the look that gets the looks:
HAIR: AVEDA - Long Wavy in Champagne
SHOES: Sweet as Sin in Black by Minx.
HOSE: Blaze Charcoal hose
SKIN: ::tuli:: 53 light tone//black brows - sunset

Look what I found!

Kallyfaith Rolland, of KO Designs is turning over a new leaf and showing her true style with some really stunning new work. Yes, I have seen a good many of her new items I just can’t seem to get enough of them.

This dress ensemble is Enchantment. There are 3 primary outfits, each good for a new kind of mood. I’m partial to the short skirt myself. That’s because I like Attitude. It’s sexy, sassy with lots of class, and its feminine, kinda girly like me. Check out the prim tulle bow in the back.

You can find this entire 14-piece set at http://shop.onrez.com/item/430435 for only $800L. If you think it looks good on me, the price is right. You should see what Enchanted does for your style.

P.S. – KO Designs will be showing everything new at our MODA Fashion Spotlight Event on Monday December 17th You can see it filmed live at www.slcn.tv or at one of our remote Television Cinema locations in Second Life.

So You Want to be a Designer

It's an oldie but a goodie! If you're looking for a good start to creating your own fashions, start with the tutorials in the Mermaid Diaries. You will find everything there from how to build, to how to work with textures, to dealing with the dreaded Alpha Channel.

Gentle reader, if you know of any other good sources of useful information, please add your comment!